2023-07-29 12:35:00
Postpartum depression is a serious disorder that affects between 15% and 20% of women after giving birth. This depressive episode, which usually occurs within a year of birth, can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of mothers, as well as on the relationship with their child. Treating postpartum depression can be difficult and complex. However, new results from clinical trials seem to bring new hope.
Postpartum depression: 14-day treatment reduces symptoms
Zuranolone, a drug against postpartum depression developed by Sage Therapeutics and the company Biogen, is the subject of a clinical trial which shows promise. The researchers brought together nearly 200 women with severe postpartum depression. For 14 days, participants took either 50 milligrams of zuranolone daily or a placebo.
“Treatment with zuranolone versus placebo resulted in statistically significant improvements in symptoms at day 15”reported the researchers in their article published in the journal The American Journal of Psychiatry.
The treatment also seems well tolerated with mild adverse effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. “No loss of consciousness, withdrawal symptoms, or increase in suicidal ideation or behavior were observed,” the authors said.
Zuranolone: a promising drug awaiting the green light from the authorities
Although clinical trial results for zuranolone are encouraging, the drug still needs to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it is available on the US market. The manufacturers have submitted their dossier to the agency. The latter should deliver its opinion at the beginning of August.
Similar steps will have to be taken with the European health authorities so that the new stamp can be offered to young French mothers suffering from postpartum depression.
If the treatment gets all the necessary green lights, it will represent a significant advance in the field of maternal health and could improve the management of postpartum depression.
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